Chief Financial Officer (Executive)

Wingecarribee Shire Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% Superannuation

Vehicle allowance

Flexible working

Salary packaging options

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Wingecarribee Shire Council in New South Wales is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead the financial sustainability agenda and provide strategic leadership across a complex organisation. You will work with the General Manager, SLT, Councillors and business leaders to drive performance, implement a long‑term financial plan, and build a proactive finance function to support informed decision‑making.

The role requires extensive senior financial leadership, experience delivering transformation,

Qualifications

• Extensive senior financial leadership experience in a complex organisation.
• Proven success leading financial sustainability and transformation initiatives.
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking with ability to translate strategy into outcomes.
• Experience engaging with elected representatives and senior leaders.
• Ability to develop people and high-performing teams.
• Experience operating in a political environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of financial sustainability program, Long‑Term Financial Plan and productivity initiatives.
• Provide trusted strategic financial advice for evidence-based decision-making and organisational performance.
• Build capability and effectiveness of the Finance team as a proactive business partner.
• Strengthen financial literacy, accountability and commercial thinking across the organisation.
• Support Councillors with transparent financial reporting, analysis and advice that builds confidence in long-term financial direction.

Skills

Senior financial leadership

Financial sustainability

Strategic financial planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Finance or Business Administration with Accounting major

Postgraduate qualifications in relevant field

Job description

Lead financial strategy at a time of significant opportunity and transformation. As Chief Financial Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping Council's future, driving organisational performance and building a high-performing finance function that supports informed decision-making and long‑term sustainability.

What You'll Do

As Chief Financial Officer, you will lead Council's financial sustainability agenda and provide strategic financial leadership across a diverse and complex organisation. Working closely with the General Manager, Senior Leadership Team, Councillors and business leaders, you will:

• Lead the implementation of Council's financial sustainability program, including, Long‑Term Financial Plan and Cost Containment and Productivity initiatives.
• Provide trusted strategic financial advice that supports evidence‑based decision‑making and organisational performance.
• Build the capability, influence and effectiveness of the Finance team as a proactive and valued business partner.
• Strengthen financial literacy, accountability and commercial thinking across the organisation.
• Support Councillors with transparent financial reporting, analysis and advice that builds confidence in Council's long‑term financial direction.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the long‑term success of a complex and diverse organisation delivering essential infrastructure, utility, community and commercial services across the Southern Highlands.

Why Wingecarribee?

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Wingecarribee Shire is renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant towns, thriving local economy and strong sense of community. Home to more than 53,000 residents across approximately 2,700 square kilometres, we are proud to deliver the services, infrastructure and facilities that support our community every day.

Employing around 470 staff, Council provides a diverse range of services including roads and transport infrastructure, community facilities, water and sewer services, waste management, property assets and commercial operations. Guided by our Community Strategic Plan 2035, we are committed to building a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future while preserving the unique character of our Shire.

As a forward‑thinking organisation, we value collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. Joining Wingecarribee Shire Council means becoming part of a leadership team committed to confronting complex challenges, strengthening organisational capability and delivering better outcomes for our community.

You'll also get to enjoy:

• Attractive remuneration package including 12% superannuation and vehicle allowance
• Flexible working arrangements that support work‑life balance while maintaining a focus on delivering outcomes.
• Variable day off every 19 days
• Health & wellbeing initiatives - Fitness Passport, EAP and Flu Vaccines
• Salary packaging options available - make the most of your income

The Welcome Experience - The Welcome Experience is a free service for essential workers and their families who are considering moving to or have moved to regional NSW. Local Connectors make moving easier by helping you find a home, schools, childcare, job opportunities for your partner, and connections within the community. nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

• Community & social engagement - Enjoy opportunities to participate in local events, team‑building activities, and community initiatives that bring our staff and residents together.

About You

We're looking for a highly capable and values‑driven finance executive who combines technical expertise with strong leadership, commercial acumen and the ability to build trusted relationships. You will bring:

• Significant senior financial leadership experience in a complex organisation.
• Proven success leading financial sustainability, transformation or organisational improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking with the ability to translate financial strategy into practical outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility to work effectively with elected representatives, executive leaders and diverse teams.
• Demonstrated experience developing people, building capability and creating high‑performing teams.
• A collaborative and outcomes‑focused leadership style aligned to our RESPECT values.

Local government experience is highly regarded but not essential. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to tackle complex challenges, influence meaningful change and leave a legacy.

• Degree qualification in Finance or Business Administration with an Accounting Major Study, with Post Graduate Qualifications in the relevant field.
• Extensive and diverse experience in financial management in a senior managerial position, ideally in local government.
• Demonstrated senior leadership and management skills which enables a high performing team.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in development and implementation of financial strategies and policy.
• Demonstrated high level skills in strategic thinking and analysis, reporting and excellent oral and written presentation skills.
• The proven ability to develop and foster practical and beneficial relationships to provide excellence in both internal and external customer service and lead, improve and motivate organisational culture
• Demonstrated capacity to operate in a political environment

Other Requirements

• Complete a National Police Check prior to commencement
• Be willing to participate in a psychometric assessment and other pre‑employment screening checks prior to commencement

Ready to Lead Our Financial Future?

Applications that do not address the essential criteria may not be considered.

Key Recruitment Dates:

• Applications Open: 2 November 2026
• Applications Close: 22 November 2026
• Shortlisting: 23 November 2026
• Candidate Notifications: 30 November 2026
• Interviews: 7 December 2026

Please note: These dates are indicative only and may be subject to change.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, and persons with a disability. If you require reasonable adjustments during our application process, please contact us at .au, by phone on 1300 680 *** or by visiting our office at 68 Elizabeth St, Moss Vale.